Buffalo, New York: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

When you think of New York, you might picture the bright lights and tall buildings of New York City. But have you thought about Buffalo, a city with a rich history, a great craft beer scene, and a mix of old and new attractions? Places like the Guaranty Building and the Martin House Complex show off what Buffalo has to offer. So, why should you visit this underrated city?

Key Takeaways

• Buffalo is home to numerous National Historic Landmarks, showcasing its architectural treasures.
• The city features a mix of contemporary and centuries-old buildings, creating a unique urban landscape.
• Buffalo's grand urban design, with radial roads and Parisian-style boulevards, provides stunning views of Niagara Falls and the CN Tower.
• The city's craft beer scene and confectionary delights, such as sponge candy, offer delicious experiences for visitors.
• Buffalo's innovative spirit is evident in the transformation of the Richardson Olmsted Complex and the Hotel Henry.

Explore Buffalo's Architectural Treasures

Buffalo, New York, is full of architectural wonders. It has nearly seven dozen National Historic Landmarks. These landmarks show the city's rich history. The Guaranty Building and the Martin House Complex are two highlights. They were designed by famous architects who changed Buffalo's skyline.

Guaranty Building and Louis Sullivan's Legacy

The Guaranty Building was made by Louis Sullivan. It's an early skyscraper that shows Sullivan's new way of designing commercial buildings. Sullivan was a key figure in the Chicago School of Architecture. His designs changed traditional building styles, leading to modern skyscrapers.

The Guaranty Building has detailed terra-cotta decorations and a rhythmic design. It shows Sullivan's talent and Buffalo's architectural history.

Martin House Complex: Frank Lloyd Wright's Masterpiece

In Buffalo's suburbs, the Martin House Complex is a beautiful example of Frank Lloyd Wright's work. It was built for Darwin Martin and includes a main house, guest house, stable, servant's quarters, and a conservatory. All were designed with Wright's unique organic style and careful details.

The Martin House Complex is getting a $50 million restoration. This will be finished in 2017, on Wright's 150th birthday. It gives visitors a chance to see the beauty and innovation of this architectural wonder.

Buffalo is a top spot for architectural tourism. People come from all over to see its National Historic Landmarks. They are amazed by the work of Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. The Guaranty Building and the Martin House Complex show off Buffalo's architectural beauty and inspire everyone who visits.

Embrace Buffalo's Art Deco Splendor

Beyond its historic landmarks, Buffalo, New York, is known for its stunning Art Deco buildings. The City Hall is the highlight of this beauty. It's a 32-story building that mixes Art Deco style with Iroquois Indian designs.

Construction on City Hall started in September 1929, just before the Wall Street Crash. By 1931, it opened, showing off Buffalo's past wealth. Even as the city's population fell, City Hall still shows Buffalo's strength and power.

Take a free tour of the 28th floor to see amazing views of Lake Erie and the city. This building is a key part of Buffalo's Art Deco architecture. It shows the city's focus on civic design and historic preservation.

"The Art Deco style, with its emphasis on geometric patterns and dynamic forms, was a visual representation of the optimism and technological progress of the 1920s."

Discover Buffalo's Grand Urban Design

Buffalo, New York, has a stunning urban design that shows the city's big dreams during its industrial peak. The city's radial road pattern and tree-lined, Parisian-style boulevards were key to a grand beautification plan. This plan aimed to make the suburbs look grand.

From the top of Buffalo's City Hall, you can see this detailed road network. It lets visitors see the city's thoughtful design.

On a clear day, you can see Niagara Falls and the famous CN Tower in Toronto, 60 miles away. This shows Buffalo's key spot as a gateway to the West and a center of American trade. This design has made Buffalo known for mixing modern and history in a unique way.

Radial Road Pattern and Parisian-Style Boulevards

Buffalo's radial road pattern and tree-lined Parisian-style boulevards show the city's big plans for its design. These roads were part of a plan to make the city look beautiful and boost civic pride. Now, they create a striking network of roads that go out from the city center, reminding people of Paris's elegance.

Niagara Falls and CN Tower Views from City Observation Decks

From the top of Buffalo's City Hall, you get to see the city's great location. On a clear day, you can see Niagara Falls and the famous CN Tower in Toronto. This shows Buffalo's role as a gateway to the West and a key trade center in America.

"Buffalo's urban design is a testament to the city's ambitious vision, blending modernity and history to create a captivating experience for visitors and residents alike."

Buffalo, New York: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Buffalo, New York, is known as the Queen City. It's a top spot for travelers in Western New York and the Niagara Frontier. The city has attractions for everyone, from architecture fans to outdoor lovers.

Buffalo is famous for its stunning architecture. You can see beautiful Art Deco and Frank Lloyd Wright buildings like City Hall and the Martin House Complex. These places show off Buffalo's history and creativity.

The city's culture is also vibrant. It has art museums, craft beer spots, and sweet treats for all tastes. Foodies and culture lovers will find plenty to enjoy.

For outdoor fun, Buffalo's waterfront is perfect for kayaking, hiking, and walks. The city's unique roads and boulevards offer great views of the skyline and Niagara Falls.

Visiting Buffalo for a weekend or longer means always finding something new. With its amazing architecture and culture, it's a city you must see. It offers a real and fulfilling travel experience.

"Buffalo is a city of architectural innovation, where the past and present seamlessly intertwine to create a truly captivating experience for visitors."

Indulge in Buffalo's Confectionary Delights

Buffalo, New York, loves its sweets. Sponge candy is a favorite treat here. It's a chocolate-covered honeycomb delight that's a big part of the area's food culture.

Sponge Candy: A Honeycomb Chocolate Treat

Sponge candy has been a hit for many years. Buffalo confectionary Parkside Candy has been making it since 1927. It's known for its sponge candy with a honeycomb inside covered in chocolate. This treat even inspired the Cadbury Crunchie bar, making it a top choice for visitors.

Buffalo also has other sweet treats like artisanal chocolates and classic fudge. You can try these at Parkside Candy or from local makers. The rich flavors will make your taste buds happy.

"Sponge candy is a quintessential part of Western New York's culinary heritage and a must-try for visitors to Buffalo."

Explore Buffalo's Craft Beer Scene

Buffalo's craft beer scene is a source of pride, with almost 20 microbreweries. Resurgence Brewing Co. is famous for its Imperial Sponge Candy Stout, made with a local candy. You can try this beer, enjoy local foods, live music, and play cornhole at their taproom by the river. Buffalo is perfect for those who love a chill, yet lively, beer and food scene.

The Buffalo Beer Goddesses are celebrating 10 years of supporting women and diversity in craft beer. They share their favorite local beers:

• Sara Rosenberry loves trying new places and drinks IPAs like Harvest from Southern Tier Brewing, Hayburner from Big Ditch Brewing, and Blizzard Bock from Flying Bison Brewing.
• Marlene Urban has been brewing at home since the early 2000s. She likes Belgian beers, sours, stouts, and pumpkin beers. Her top picks include Strummer from Pressure Drop Brewing, Dayburner from Big Ditch Brewing, and Blackalicious from Pressure Drop Brewing.
• Tracey Maciejewski, a founding member of Buffalo Beer Goddesses, suggests Hayburner from Big Ditch Brewing, Strummer from Pressure Drop Brewing, and Borderland IPA from 42 North Brewing.
• Paula Taton started enjoying craft beer about 10 years ago. She likes The Whale from Community Beer Works, Cosmic Truth from Resurgence Brewing, and The Chupacabra from Pressure Drop Brewing.

The Buffalo Beer Goddesses host meetups at breweries and craft beer bars. They create a friendly community for beer lovers to discover Buffalo's craft beer.

"Buffalo's craft beer scene has become a point of pride for the city, with nearly two dozen microbreweries offering a diverse range of locally produced brews."

Rediscover Buffalo's Great Ideas

Buffalo, New York, is a city full of architectural history and new ideas. The Richardson Olmsted Complex shows this well. It started in 1870 as a new kind of mental hospital. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed it, making it a model for caring urban design.

But the Complex fell into disrepair over time. Now, it's getting a new life. The site is turning into the Hotel Henry, a unique hotel. It will also have an architecture museum and a place for new ideas, bringing back Buffalo's forward-thinking urban planning.

Richardson Olmsted Complex: A Mental Health Trailblazer

Started in 1870, the Richardson Olmsted Complex was a groundbreaking mental health center. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux made a peaceful, healing place for patients. Their design changed how mental health care was done.

Hotel Henry: Reviving Buffalo's Innovative Spirit

The Complex is getting a new look after years of being forgotten. It's turning into the Hotel Henry, a stylish hotel. It honors Buffalo's architectural and innovative past. The hotel will also have a place for architecture shows and new ideas, keeping Buffalo's forward-thinking spirit alive.

"The Richardson Olmsted Complex is a testament to Buffalo's trailblazing approach to mental health and urban design. The Hotel Henry's revival of this historic site is an exciting chapter in the city's ongoing reinvention."

Enjoy Buffalo's Waterfront Walks

Buffalo's waterfront has changed a lot, moving from an industrial area to a place for fun and outdoor activities. Canalside is a key spot, once an industrial area now hosting festivals and events. It's a sign of how the city has changed.

For a quieter time, check out Unity Island at the end of Ferry Street. There, you'll see a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed boathouse by the Niagara River. The jetty gives you amazing views and lets you see the power of the water that once drove Buffalo's economy.

Canalside and Unity Island Strolls

• Canalside: A vibrant hub for festivals, events, and outdoor activities on the revitalized canal basins
• Unity Island: Serene nature trails and a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed boathouse overlooking the Niagara River
• Jetty along the Black Rock Canal and Niagara River: Breathtaking views of the powerful waterways that shaped Buffalo's past

Looking for fun or peace? Buffalo's waterfront has it all. It's a place to dive into the city's history and beauty.

Kayak Buffalo's Historic Waterways

Exploring Buffalo's historic waterways by kayak is a unique way to see the city's industrial past. The waterfront once had abandoned warehouses and factories. Now, places like Larkin Square are lively with food, drinks, and entertainment.

Kayak tours through "Elevator Alley" show you the grand grain elevators. These elevators made Buffalo the world's largest grain port. It moved more grain than big ports like London, Rotterdam, or Odessa.

The best time for these Buffalo kayaking trips is before sunset. The setting sun makes the city's landmarks glow. You'll see the grain elevators and other buildings in a new light.

"The kayak tours through Elevator Alley offer a unique perspective on Buffalo's industrial past, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the city's architectural and historical wonders."

These sunset views of Buffalo's waterfront are unforgettable. Whether you're new to kayaking or experienced, you'll be amazed. So, pick up your paddle and start a journey through time. Explore Elevator Alley and learn about Buffalo's history of innovation.

Step into Buffalo's Regal Homes

Buffalo's rich past shines through its stunning homes, many saved as symbols of the Gilded Age. The 1898 home of H.H. Hewitt, a rubber magnate, is now the Inn Buffalo, a symbol of luxury.

Inn Buffalo: A Beaux Arts Preservation in Progress

This Beaux Arts beauty is being brought back to its former glory. It has silk walls, gold ceilings, and stained-glass windows. Guests can see the beauty of Buffalo's historic homes at the Inn Buffalo or by walking through the Elmwood Village. This area has big Gilded Age homes for sale at good prices.

"The Inn Buffalo is a true gem, a testament to the city's architectural heritage and the ongoing efforts to preserve its Beaux Arts masterpieces."

Walking into the Inn Buffalo takes you back in time. You'll see amazing details and feel the importance of historic preservation there. This is a way to dive into architectural history of Buffalo, a city proud of its past and looking forward to the future.

Conclusion

Buffalo, New York, is a treasure trove of attractions and activities for visitors. It boasts iconic buildings like the Guaranty Building and the Martin House Complex. These landmarks show off the city's rich history.

The city is also home to stunning Art Deco buildings, such as City Hall. Beyond its historic sites, Buffalo offers a mix of culture, food, and drinks. You can enjoy everything from sweet treats to craft beer.

Buffalo has something for everyone, whether you love architecture, outdoor fun, or trying new foods. Many visitors love the Holiday Inn near Niagara Falls, giving it top marks. The Best Western Plus Cairn Croft Hotel is also a favorite for its quality.

Enjoy peaceful waterfront walks at Canalside and Unity Island. Or, try the exciting Nightmare Hayrides and Pumpkinville for fun. Buffalo's brewing scene and efforts to preserve history show its innovative side.